Scarlett Smith is an electroacoustic harpist and comedian. Tired of the harps demure, classical reputation, Scarlett’s debut solo show Any Objections? is a surreal quest to prove this instrument belongs far beyond the Orchestra pit. Blending live looping covers of popular songs, self- produced indie-pop jingles and fast paced punch lines, the show is a playful celebration of creativity and harp innovation. Expect wedding industry musings, a fateful boat trip and an interactive gameshow in this whimsical world where chaos meets creativity.
We sat down to chat with Scarlett about their show Any Objections.
Your show blends live looping harp covers, original indie-pop jingles, and sharp-witted humour. What inspired you to combine these elements into your performance?
For a long time I’ve aimed to create work that feels unique and original. Rather than aiming to be ’the best harpist’, how can I become ’the most authentically me harpist’. Because if we’re all trying to squish ourselves into the same mould the world will become a pretty boring place. I’ve never felt like a classical harpist, and so I wanted Any Objections? to be a showcase for challenging harpist expectations and brining the instrument into the modern world. Be that in a serious way with some cutting edge electric harp music, or in a silly way through my sketches and jingles.
How did you approach the writing process and building the show?
Any Objections? grew from my desire to explore ‘what harp comedy could be’. I couldn’t find anyone else who’d made work like this at the time, but knew I wanted to create something where the music was integrated with the comedy in ways other than just writing songs with comical lyrics. I wanted to explore how the two forms can weave together creatively.
I started off exploring lots of short 10 minute ideas or sketches, then once I figured out what was working, I worked on crafting these into an hour long show and developing the overarching narrative and themes. It really felt like a process of devising, and watching the show bloom over time. Which feels very different to the process of writing or staging a play!
You mentioned in previous interviews that you have a rich history in the wedding industry. How has that experience influenced the themes of Any Objections?
I do indeed! The wedding industry still holds a special place in my heart, and I don’t know if I’d ever want to give up playing at weddings completely. But my experiences within it have been inspiration for a good chunk of the stand up style content of the show. I think a setting that can be so over glamourised, perfectionist and relatable for many of us offers a lot of opportunities for reflection and humour.
Your journey began at a young age by busking on the streets of Bournemouth. Can you share a standout moment from those early days?
I had a good mix of successes and lessons for sure. I remember one sunny Saturday where I was doing so well I played almost solidly for 4 hours! And came home with £140 (which was massive as a 15 year old). I also had a day where we drove all the way into town, got set up, and then the weather had put my harp SO out of tune and I’d forgotten my tuning key, so we just had to turn around and come straight back home!
You also studied clowning and stand-up at Circomedia. How did that shape your transition into comedy?
I do think these studies gave me the tools and confidence to start writing and performing comedy. It’s something that I’d always been interested in, but was never really the class clown or loudly extroverted type growing up. The idea of pushing myself outside my comfort zone, in such a male dominated industry felt overwhelming for a long time. But I’ve always wanted to use performing as a way to spread joy and laughter, and exploring these techniques, theories and performance exercises in class helped give me a grounding, so that when I finally felt ready to start devising Any Objections? in 2023, I had a strong foundation to build from.
Inclusivity seems to be a recurring theme in your work. What does it mean for you to promote that in both comedy and the wedding industry?
Honestly, I always feel like I should be doing more. Maybe that is just a woman’s tale as old as time, but I think especially in our current political climate it’s more important that ever to be advocating for the rights and representation of stories that have historically been prejudiced or brushed under the carpet. I like to be loud and proud about my queer identity, in weddings or comedy, as it’s something I was made to feel a lot of shame around growing up when homophobia was rampant in my school. So being loud and proud is a way of reclaiming and celebrating that part of me, and hoping it will reassure any engaged couples enquiring that their love story is safe with me.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a performance?
I love a good tongue twister, and there are various other vocal warm up exercises that have stuck with me since my youth theatre days. I also tend to flail around the dressing room doing a mix of jumping and squatting, trying to shake out the pre show jitters and reminding myself “As long as I’m having a good time, the audience will too."
How do you unwind after a show?
I always feel quite wired and full of adrenaline after a show. But I love to cosy up on the sofa at home, have a debrief with my partner (who has helped direct the show and makes notes during every performance - this part is often as we drive back), have a drink and a meal that feels like a treat, and watch some TV to immerse myself in another world. MAFSAU is currently streaming and it is the perfect trashy indulgence to sink into post show.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?
When I was 9, one of the boys in my class asked me if I wanted to perform with him in the school variety show. We were the two little theatre kids of the class, and with some help from our parents, we ended up performing a rendition of There’s A Whole In My Bucket and I don’t think I ever looked back! I spent the rest of my childhood taking pretty much every opportunity I could to perform on stage. We’re actually still friends to this day and recently rewatching the recording together!
What do you hope audiences take away from Any Objections? after the final curtain falls?
I hope it’s made people feel lighter and reenergised. There is so much conflict happening in the world to feel angry or anxious about, and whilst I don’t think we should turn a blind eye to it, I believe we also need art that spreads joy, kindness and laughter to refill our cup. To remind us that we are all just ants on a big rock, and there’s still magic and beauty in that. My favourite post show conversations are with people who say they’ve been having a rubbish time recently, and that the show has helped given them a fresh outlook, not sweat the small stuff, and be proud to show up as they are.
Where can audiences see the show and follow your work beyond?
Upcoming tour dates include:
⚡️LANGPORT Eli’s Mar 12th (SOLD OUT)
⚡️CURRY MALLET village hall Mar 13th (Supported by Take Art)
⚡️PENSELWOOD village hall Mar 14th (Supported by Take Art)
⚡️ALDERSHOT @westendcentre Mar 20th
⚡️WESTON-SUPER-MARE @frontroomwsm Apr 11th
⚡️LONDON @draytonarmssw5 Apr 12,13th
They can also find me on Facebook or Instagram @BristolHarpist or visit www.bristolharpist.co.uk
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